No more roster change for Star says Webb

MANILA, Philippines -- After letting go of veteran forward Joe Devance in a six-team, four-player deal early this week, Star Hotshots coach Jason Webb feels his team is ready to rumble in the 41st PBA set to kick off on Oct. 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-7 Devance moved over to Barangay Ginebra in a stunning trade on Monday, but in exchange, the Hotshots acquired the services of promising big man Jake Pascual and wingman Ronald Pascual.

The trade made the Hotshots younger in the frontcourt after letting go of the 33-year-old Devance, though the immediate concern, according to Webb, is how to integrate the two Pascuals in the scheme of things.

“We don’t look at the past, but we look at what we have now,” Webb told Philstar.com, shortly after playing its first tune-up match in the preseason on Wednesday against Alaska at the Gatorade Hoops Center.

Star ended in an 83-83 draw with Alasa after veteran big man Rafi Reavis beat the game clock with a driving layup.

“But what we have are good quality guys that we have to integrate. Although late, we have to find a way to integrate them as soon as possible.

Jake Pascual, who had a decent rookie year with Barako Bull last season, scored just a point, but was able to provide quality minutes, setting up screen for outside gunners like James Yap and Alex Mallari while playing defense for the Hotshots.

The 41-year-old rookie coach said with two new recruits, plus incoming rookie big man Norbert Torres still adjusting to PBA play, they will just have to work on their up-tempo game and defense.

Webb also stressed that despite persisting rumors that Mallari is on the trading block, he feels making another move might not be a wise thing to do with the season about to open.

“I’m not aware of any of the other ones (trades), but it’s not really lot of time to make a lot of movement,” he said.

“Malapit na eh. October 1 na bukas so unless puwede pa naming kunin yung LeBron James,” added Webb.

“But we’re good with what we have. And whatever it is that we have, I’m confident they will go and lalaban kami, shoulder to shoulder with the next guy beside me.”

Webb is set to debut as Star’s coach on opening day where the Hotshots collide with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.